The Traditional Method: Closing One Eye
Benefits of Closing One Eye
For generations, the image of a shooter squinting with one eye closed, carefully lining up their sights, has been a staple in movies, television, and real-world shooting scenarios. It’s the method that many are initially taught, and for some, it feels natural and intuitive. The technique itself is straightforward: the shooter closes one eye, typically the non-dominant eye, and uses the open eye to focus on the front sight, rear sight, and target. This seemingly simple action is intended to eliminate distractions and provide a clearer, more focused view of the intended point of impact.
One primary benefit is **enhanced focus**. By eliminating visual input from one eye, the brain can concentrate more intensely on the information coming from the other. This focused attention can make it easier to clearly see the front sight of a firearm, which is crucial for accurate aiming. The clearer the sight picture, the better the chances of hitting the target.
Another significant advantage often cited is its potential to help with **eye dominance**. In many cases, closing one eye forces the shooter to utilize their dominant eye, the eye that naturally takes the lead in visual tasks. This can be particularly helpful for shooters who are not entirely sure of their eye dominance. Using the dominant eye generally leads to a more accurate shot placement.
Furthermore, closing one eye can sometimes contribute to **increased accuracy**, particularly for beginners. The act of eliminating one visual input can simplify the aiming process, reducing the cognitive load required to make a shot. This simplification can be especially beneficial when first learning the fundamentals of shooting, allowing the shooter to concentrate on trigger control and stance without the added complexity of maintaining perfect focus with both eyes open.
Drawbacks of Closing One Eye
While the benefits of closing one eye are undeniable for some, the practice also has several potential downsides that shooters should consider. It’s not a universal solution, and for many, it can hinder performance.
Perhaps the most significant drawback is the **reduction in depth perception**. When you use only one eye, your ability to perceive the distance between objects is significantly diminished. This can make it harder to judge the distance to the target, and it can also affect your ability to track moving targets. In situations where target movement is a factor, relying on a single-eye view can put the shooter at a disadvantage.
Another concern is **eye strain and fatigue**. Constantly squinting and focusing with just one eye can be physically taxing, leading to eye strain and fatigue, especially during extended shooting sessions. This can negatively impact accuracy and concentration, especially as the shooting session progresses.
Closing one eye also **limits peripheral vision**. Peripheral vision is critical for situational awareness, allowing shooters to see potential threats or other important details that might be outside the direct line of sight. Limiting peripheral vision can be detrimental, particularly in dynamic shooting situations where awareness of the surrounding environment is essential.
Finally, there are **dominance issues**. While closing one eye can sometimes assist with eye dominance, it can also complicate the process. Shooters who are cross-dominant (meaning their dominant eye is on the opposite side of their dominant hand) may find it challenging to adapt to this method, sometimes requiring significant practice and adjustment to find a comfortable and accurate shooting position.
Understanding the Importance of Eye Dominance
To truly understand the debate surrounding closing one eye while shooting, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of eye dominance. Eye dominance is the tendency for one eye to take the lead in visual tasks, such as aiming. It’s similar to hand dominance – some people are right-handed, others are left-handed.
To determine your eye dominance, there are several simple tests you can try. The simplest is the “hole in your hand” test. Extend your arms, place your hands together to create a small triangular hole, and focus on a distant object through the hole. Then, bring your hands toward your face, keeping the object in view. The eye that the hands naturally move toward is your dominant eye.
Another common test is the “pointing” method. Extend one arm, point at a distant object, and close one eye. Then, alternate closing one eye and opening the other. The eye that is open and keeps your finger lined up with the object is your dominant eye.
Eye dominance plays a crucial role in shooting because it significantly impacts how your brain processes visual information. Ideally, your dominant eye should be aligned with the sights of your firearm and the target. This ensures that the visual information your brain receives is the most accurate, improving aiming and shot placement. When eye dominance and hand dominance do not match, it adds a layer of complexity to the process.
Alternative Approaches to Aiming
Shooting with Both Eyes Open
Fortunately, you are not limited to the single option of closing an eye. Several alternative shooting methods offer distinct advantages, particularly in terms of depth perception and peripheral vision.
One increasingly popular technique involves **keeping both eyes open** while shooting. This method allows for full depth perception, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced eye strain.
Shooting with both eyes open can present some initial challenges, as it requires retraining your brain to process visual information in a new way. However, with practice, it can become a highly effective technique.
The key is to consciously focus on the front sight of the firearm while allowing your peripheral vision to take in the surrounding environment and the target. It may seem counterintuitive, but the brain can be trained to prioritize the information coming from the dominant eye, even with both eyes open.
Techniques for both-eyes-open shooting
The basic principle is to focus on the front sight. Your non-dominant eye will contribute to the peripheral view, but the dominant eye is still what directs the line of sight.
Using a “flash sight picture” – is important in some methods of shooting where the sight alignment is not precise, but more about quickly acquiring the target and the shot.
The benefits are vast: the field of view is far greater, which is an advantage especially in scenarios where awareness of the environment is essential.
Other Techniques to improve aiming
Other methods to improve aiming are possible, depending on the equipment being used or even the shooter’s condition.
- **Using Corrective Lenses:** Shooters with vision problems often use glasses or contact lenses, and it should be noted that this can make a huge difference to accuracy.
- **Aiming Aids:** Red dot sights, scopes, and other aiming aids can improve accuracy, and are helpful for shooters of all experience levels.
How the Type of Shooting Influences Approach
The ideal shooting technique can also depend on the type of shooting. The specific demands of pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting all influence the best approach.
Pistol Shooting
Pistol shooting often requires rapid target acquisition and accurate follow-up shots. Both-eyes-open shooting can be a great asset here, enabling faster target acquisition and enhanced situational awareness. However, many pistol shooters still find closing one eye to be a more natural and accurate method, especially when working at longer distances or with challenging targets. If closing one eye, it’s important to maintain a consistent sight picture and ensure that you are not squinting or straining.
Rifle Shooting
Rifle shooting frequently involves longer distances and a greater emphasis on precision. While closing one eye may be a standard for precise rifle shooting, the use of scopes can often allow both eyes to remain open, improving situational awareness and reducing eye strain. When using iron sights, however, shooters may still find closing one eye to be beneficial for achieving the necessary focus and alignment.
Shotgun Shooting
Shotgun shooting typically involves rapidly engaging moving targets, making both-eyes-open shooting particularly advantageous. Depth perception and peripheral vision are crucial for tracking the target and leading the shot. It is almost universally recommended to utilize the two-eyed shooting method for shotgun use.
Sporting vs. Defensive Shooting
The needs of different shooting disciplines also matter, with the emphasis in sports shooting being on accuracy, and in defensive shooting, the focus shifts to speed, accuracy, and situational awareness. Defensive shooting often demands rapid target acquisition and the ability to react quickly to threats. In this environment, maintaining both eyes open and maximizing peripheral vision can be crucial for survival.
Choosing the Right Approach: A Personalized Decision
The ultimate decision of whether to close one eye while shooting is a personal one, dependent on a multitude of factors. There is no universally “correct” answer to the question **Are You Supposed To Close One Eye While Shooting?** Consider these factors:
Your **eye dominance** is the first and most critical element. Are you right-eye dominant? Left? This will influence how comfortable and effective you find both-eyes-open shooting. If you are not sure, identify your dominant eye by using a couple of tests.
The **type of firearm** you are using plays a role. Certain firearms are better suited for one method or another.
The **shooting discipline** will also influence the best practice. Competitive target shooting may prioritize accuracy, while defensive scenarios stress speed and awareness.
**Personal preference** is paramount. Ultimately, the best technique is the one that allows you to consistently hit your target and that feels most comfortable and natural to you.
Your **level of experience** matters, too. Beginners might find closing one eye easier to start, focusing on the basics. As you gain experience, consider experimenting.
The best advice is to experiment. Try both methods, and give each a fair chance. Practice regularly, and gradually evaluate how the shooting feels and the results you see.
Consider seeking **professional guidance**. A qualified shooting instructor can provide personalized feedback and help you develop a shooting style that maximizes your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses.
Conclusion
The question of whether to close one eye while shooting is a complex one, without a straightforward answer. The approach that suits you best will depend on a combination of your eye dominance, the type of shooting you’re doing, the firearm you’re using, and your personal preferences. Closing one eye can offer advantages like enhanced focus and simplified aiming, particularly for those just starting out, but it also has potential drawbacks, such as diminished depth perception and limited peripheral vision. Alternatively, practicing with both eyes open can improve situational awareness and reduce eye strain.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal method is the one that allows you to shoot accurately, safely, and comfortably. The best thing you can do is to experiment, practice consistently, and seek guidance from experienced shooters or instructors. With dedicated practice and a willingness to adapt your approach, you can find the technique that empowers you to shoot confidently and effectively. This journey of self-discovery will lead to greater accuracy and a deeper appreciation for the art of shooting.
